Pakistan’s Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has released labour rights guidelines for Pakistani workers employed in Oman. The document focuses on annual leave, leave arrangements, travel benefits and end-of-service payments.
The guidelines explain Oman’s Labour Law, issued under Royal Decree No. 53/2023. Under Article 78, employees are guaranteed at least 30 days of annual leave with full pay, once they have completed at least six months of service with their employer.
Carry-forward, travel and waiver rules in Oman
Workers may carry forward up to 30 days of unused leave. The cap can be exceeded if work requirements prevent employees from taking their leave, and leave periods may be combined by mutual agreement.
The law gives non-Omani workers return air tickets during annual leave, covering travel to their home country and back to the workplace afterwards. Employees cannot waive their right to annual leave, although an alternative arrangement may be introduced in sectors specified by the Minister of Labour if it offers greater benefits.
Employer rules, postponement and compensation for unused leave
Article 81 sets out further rules. Employers may divide annual leave into separate periods according to operational needs, but this does not apply to young workers. Where work demands require it, leave may be postponed for up to six months.
The law also requires every employee to take at least 30 days of annual leave once every two years, to ensure adequate rest. In certain circumstances, employers may pay for unused leave based on the basic wage, but only if the employee gives written consent.
If employment ends before a worker has used accumulated leave, the employer must pay the full wage for the outstanding days.
